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Why won’t my engine run after adding a 6 pin DCC decoder?
Posted in: Power and control
2nd December 2019
This is quite straight forward as there are no real instructions on fitting 6-pin decoder. If you find that your...
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How to dispose of old scalpel blades safely?
Posted in: Best practices
6th January 2022
Many modellers can get through scalpel blades almost as quickly as surgeons do, but how should you dispose of them...
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Did British Railways ever operate ships?
Posted in: Model Railway
27th September 2021
British Railways owned and operated many ships from when it was formed in 1948 until 1984. British Railways inherited...
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What is the best way to cut photo etch parts from a fret?
Posted in: Assembling and gluing
7th November 2022
Photo Etch, or PE parts are metal parts that are generally made from brass. Many model kits are supplied with PE...
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Is it possible to model Era 1 (Pioneering 1804-1869)?
Posted in: Model Railway
1st March 2021
Having experienced the incredible talent of many scratch-builders over the years, one would have to concede that...
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How can you tell the complexity of a kit?

The complexity of a model kit can often be subjective depending on a modeller's experience and dexterity, so how can you tell if a particular kit is for you?

That is a very big question considering the sheer number and types of kit on the market. Some manufacturers such as Airfix and Revell offer a rating system on the box to suggest a modelling ability their kit is aimed at, but what about the rest?

If you are in a shop, you can always ask for a peek inside the box. If you're doing this, take note of the number of parts in the kit. If you don't like big or complex projects, the chances are you will not enjoy a 200-piece kit.

Once you have found a suitably sized project, pay particular attention to the size of the components in the kit. Although none of us like to admit it, the clock only ticks one way, so make sure that you are happy and capable of putting together the smaller parts. It's important to be honest with yourself at this point because the shopkeeper is probably not going to make any assumptions, and rightly so.

If you are shopping online, the task of identifying the complexity of a kit becomes more, well, complex! Most listings will give little away, concentrating more on the details and what's included, and an internet search for the product will likely only succeed in bringing up lots more listings, so you end up going round and round in circles.

If that frustration sounds familiar, try looking on YouTube for your answer. There are thousands of model reviews and unboxing videos out there as well as a generous library of tutorials. These are great for assessing a kit because even if the audio doesn't directly address your questions, the footage will certainly help you.

Finally, if you prefer your communication in a more traditional way, you can always chat to your local modelling club or phone your local model shop, both of which are always happy to help!

Posted in: Kit building

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